Every year, our best of the best issue gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on companies that go beyond just showing up. They stand out. They dig deep. They’re the ones that keep pushing, keep innovating and keep reminding us all why our community is so special.
But let’s be real — being the best isn’t about competing against everyone else. It’s about competing with yourself. It’s about looking in the mirror and asking: Am I better today than I was yesterday? That’s a question I’ve been living this year in a pretty unexpected way. I started rock climbing. Yep, I’m one of those people now, scaling walls, getting my hands chalky and regularly wondering why I’m doing this to myself.
When you step into a climbing gym, you’ll see some people practically defying gravity — scaling walls and putting Spider-Man to shame — and then you’ll see someone taking their very first step off the ground and toward overcoming their fear of heights. And you know what? Each of those people is on their own journey, and it’s not about how high up you get compared to others. It’s about figuring out what you can do to push yourself just a little further. It’s about saying, “Today, I’ll try something that scares me, even if it’s just a few inches off the ground.”
Over the last eight months, I’ve realized that it’s not about how quickly you reach the top of the wall (or the proverbial mountain). It’s about the effort you put in every day. Sure, there are some days when I’m ready to conquer the toughest routes, but there are just as many days when the real victory is showing up and trying at all. And I’ve come to realize that those small, seemingly insignificant steps forward add up over time.
That’s the mentality I try to bring to our company. We’re not aiming to be perfect; we’re aiming to be better. Better than we were yesterday. A little bit better, every single day. And it’s not just something we say — it’s how we approach our work, our culture and everything we do.
I also want to pass this lesson on to my kids. I want them to see that life isn’t about reaching some imaginary pinnacle or competing with others. It’s about growing, learning and showing up as the best version of yourself, whatever that looks like today. Let go of the trash in your head. Get rid of all the comparisons and self-doubt. Focus on one small win at a time, because those little wins? They’re what lead to greatness over time.
So, to all the businesses and leaders who made it into this year’s best of the best, thank you. Thank you for putting in the work. For showing us what it means to be committed. And for continually striving to improve — not just for the sake of your own success but for our entire community. You’re the reason we get to celebrate. You inspire us all.
Keep climbing.
To read more, visit Local Profile's best of the best issue.
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